Movie Reviews

‘Boys from County Hell’ Review – Nothing Short of a Good Time

By Dom Fisher
May 14, 2021
No Comments

Logline:

A crew of hardy road workers, led by a bickering Father and Son, must survive the night when they accidentally awaken an ancient Irish vampire.

It’s always a plus when you can be surprised by a film. Whether it’s the overall film itself, performances, or learning something completely new, the feeling makes for an enjoyable experience. It’s especially enjoyable when it comes by way of your favorite genre. I guess you could also be surprised by how bad a film is but that’s not the case this time. Just when you thought that you knew all you there was about a subject, a film can come along and show you a whole new world, it’s beautiful.

“The story of Abhartach is the first story ever written down about a blood-drinking creature.”

Chris Baugh’s horror-comedy Boys from County Hell is nothing short of a good time. Anyone who thought vampires only shimmered in the sun and later became Batman has yet to encounter Abhartach. Grab your garlic, your wooden stakes, crosses, and holy water, and throw it all in the trash because all of the methods are a lie. This transformative journey is filled with lots of laughs, blood, and few pints. With its idyllic setting nestled within the hills of Ireland, perfectly timed comedic moments, and a vampire with an unquenchable blood-thirst, this film has much to offer horror fans with folklore unknown to many. The film not only focuses on its monster but takes a look at forced economic growth in a town where it is unwelcome. Historically, different monsters and creatures tend to be a representation of a societal issue specific to the region and/or the time period, I suspect Abhartach is no different. But more importantly, the film follows a young man without direction. Not quite sure of his future as his best friend has his mapped out, the only option left is working for his father. Unfortunately, he and his father have a strained relationship but as their situation becomes dire, they must find some way to solve their issues in order to stay alive. With a fantastically gruesome opening scene that sets the tone, there’s enough gore to get your fix and enough humor to keep it light. The story has heart, some hilarious unexpected moments, is a joy to watch, and I enjoy Irish accents. I enjoyed Boys from County Hell a great deal. Its rewatchability is high.

Jack Rowan as Eugene Moffat – Boys from County Hell – Photo Credit: Aidan Monaghan/Shudder

Plot & Pace

In the sleepy town of Six Mile Hill where locals claim Bram Stoker was inspired to write Dracula, sits a cairn with a blood-soaked history. Supposedly underneath the rock-stacked burial site lies the body of Abhartach, a blood-thirsty vampire that predates all other famously written blood-suckers. Locals, including Eugene Moffat, and his friend William often lure tourists there to give them a good scare and to make some easy cash. Little does Eugene know, the Abhartach folklore is more real than he can imagine. As the town is about to experience some unwanted growth, historic landmarks such as the Abhartach cairn, directly in the path of expansion, will be destroyed. Not to mention, Eugene’s father is leading the construction and he is also a part of the crew. One night after a few pints, Eugene and William get into a fight leading to a terrible accident. The accident unknowingly brings to life the horror that they torment others with. Now facing a seemingly unstoppable force, Eugene and crew must stop Abhartach before he drains the entire town.

I found no issues with the pacing at all. The film is a continuous build with no real lingering slow moments.

Morgan C. Jones as Charlie Harte, Michael Hough as SP McCauley, Louisa Harland as Claire McCann, Louisa Harland as Claire McCann, Nigel O’Neill as Francie Moffat, Jack Rowan as Eugene Moffat – Boys from County Hell – Photo Credit: Aidan Monaghan/Shudder

Characters & Chemistry

This cast has great chemistry with each other. There is a level of genuine comfortability that is evident early on and leads to great scenes. Also, they each given a scene that allows them to shine. Jack Rowan as Eugene is very relatable and the transformation of his character is pleasing. Nigel O’Neill as Francie is the no nonsense father to Eugene’s free spirit. Fra Fee as William is the excelling best friend to Rowan’s character. Claire is played by Louisa Harland and is the level-headed gutsy member of the friend group. And then there’s SP played by Michael Hough who’s just trying to have a pint and a good time but is down for whatever.

Boys from County Hell is currently streaming on Shudder. Stay safe and enjoy.